Mum-of-one Dara Fitzpatrick named as first victim of Irish Coastguard helicopter crash

Dara Fitzpatrick has lost her fight for life following a helicopter crash off the coast of Mayo.

Dara, a mum of one, and three of her colleagues were returning to base after an overnight rescue mission around 1 am on Monday night when the Coastguard helicopter fell out of contact. Helicopter pilot Dara, whose flying career spanned over twenty years, was found by members of the RNLI crew and brought to hospital where she later passed away. The search continues for three of her colleagues, Chief Pilot Mark Duffy and winchmen Paul Ormsby and Ciarán Smith. A statement has been released on behalf of the Fitzpatrick family to Today FM:

"We are so proud of Dara's work and all she has done to save the lives of others over the years. We are completely heartbroken and we pray for the recovery of the other three crew."

On Morning Ireland today, her colleagues at Dun Laoghaire RNLI shared fond memories of Dara's dedication to her job and her huge smile. Dara's sister, psychologist Niamh Fitzpatrick, paid tribute to her on Twitter yesterday,

"My brave sister Capt Dara Fitzpatrick lost her life. We are devastated. Please pray for recovery of 3 remaining crew."

Dara is survived by her three-year-old son, parents, three sisters and brother. Our thoughts are with her family. Main image via RTÉ